Members of the Oxford Lions Club load nonperishable food items collected at Oxford Middle School.

Thanks to the Oxford Lions Club and its partners, 51 local families in need will have a very merry Christmas this year.

On Monday, the club provided 108 people, including 45 children and young adults, with baskets of food, new clothing and donated toys.

"This is a real service to our fellow man," said Lions President Charlie Garrard. "Delivering food, clothes and donated toys gives you a real lift when you see the smiles on the faces of those lives we brighten at Christmas time."

It was truly a community effort as the Lions Club used the little over $3,800 it raised from Goodfellows newspaper sales to purchase food and $3,000 in gift cards donated by the Oxford Meijer to help purchase a total of $4,100 in new clothing. The Oxford Leader donated 900 copies of its Dec. 4 edition for the newspaper sales.

The Lions also received a trailer full of donated food from Oxford Middle School, plus food from a drive conducted by MSP Industries/Oxford Forge.

Oxford Cub Scout Pack 366 helped out by buying clothing and toys for 10 of the children.

"We will continue this tradition as long as there are enough dedicated people to make it happen," Garrard said. "Helping people is what we are all about. We could sure use some more dedicated Lions."